Earning SkyMiles isn’t limited to flights. Delta Air Lines extends its rewards program to your hotel stays through Delta Airlines Hotel Partners, offering you a fantastic opportunity to accumulate miles while you travel and sleep. This guide delves into how you can leverage these partnerships to boost your SkyMiles balance significantly.
Understanding Delta SkyMiles Hotel Partnerships
Similar to car rentals, Delta Air Lines collaborates with various hotel chains and platforms to reward SkyMiles members for their hotel bookings. When you book your accommodation through designated Delta channels or partner websites, you can earn miles on your qualifying hotel stays. These miles are in addition to any rewards you might earn through the hotel’s own loyalty program, effectively doubling your rewards potential.
Earning SkyMiles with Hotel Partners: The Basics
Typically, you can expect to earn SkyMiles based on the amount you spend on qualifying hotel stays. The earning rate is usually structured as miles per US dollar spent, or the equivalent in foreign currency. For instance, you might earn two (2) miles for every eligible US$1 spent on the base hotel rate.
Qualifying Dollars generally include the base room rate, excluding taxes, service fees, and other incidental charges. Any portion of your booking paid for using redemption vouchers or discount codes might also be excluded from mileage accrual.
To ensure you receive your SkyMiles, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Book through Eligible Channels: Book your hotel stay through delta.com, Delta Vacations, or directly via the partner hotel’s designated booking portal for Delta SkyMiles members. Bookings made through third-party travel websites might not qualify.
- Provide Your SkyMiles Number: Always enter your SkyMiles number during the booking process. Ensure the name on your hotel reservation matches the name on your SkyMiles account.
- Use a Matching Credit Card: While not always mandatory, using a credit card with the same name as your SkyMiles account can sometimes streamline the mileage crediting process.
Types of Hotel Stays That Qualify for SkyMiles
Generally, qualifying hotel stays include bookings at participating hotels for one or more nights at eligible rates. However, similar to airline and car rental programs, certain rates and booking types may be excluded. These exclusions often include:
- Travel Industry Rates and Discounts: Rates offered to travel agents, airline employees, or other industry professionals.
- Wholesale and Tour Package Rates: Discounted rates bundled within tour packages.
- Insurance/Dealer Replacement Rates: Stays covered by insurance claims or provided as replacements.
- Corporate and Government Rates: Specially negotiated rates for corporations or government employees, unless specifically stated as eligible.
- Group Travel Discounts: Discounted rates for group bookings.
- Stays Booked with Award Certificates: Hotel stays paid for using free night certificates or other award redemptions from hotel loyalty programs.
- Specific Promotional Rates: Certain deeply discounted promotional rates may be excluded; always check the terms and conditions of the offer.
It’s crucial to review the specific terms and conditions associated with each delta airlines hotel partner to understand precisely which rates and booking methods qualify for SkyMiles earning.
Tracking and Claiming Missing SkyMiles
Miles earned from your hotel stays are usually credited to your SkyMiles account within a specific timeframe, typically around 6-8 weeks after you complete your stay.
If you don’t see the miles reflected in your account after this period, you can request a mileage credit. Delta usually provides a process to submit a claim, often online, where you’ll need to provide your SkyMiles number, hotel booking details, and proof of your completed stay. Ensure you make any claims within the specified timeframe, which is commonly six months from the date of your hotel stay.
Maximizing Your SkyMiles Earnings with Hotels
To maximize your SkyMiles earnings through delta airlines hotel partners:
- Prioritize Partner Hotels: When planning your travel, check which hotel chains are delta airlines hotel partners. Opting for these partners ensures you earn SkyMiles on your stay.
- Book Directly Through Delta Channels: Explore booking hotels through delta.com/hotels or Delta Vacations. These platforms often highlight partner hotels and may offer bonus SkyMiles promotions.
- Stack Rewards: Remember that earning SkyMiles through hotel partners is often in addition to the rewards you earn through the hotel’s own loyalty program. Ensure you are also enrolled in the hotel’s program to double-dip on rewards.
- Keep an Eye on Promotions: Delta and its hotel partners frequently run promotions offering bonus SkyMiles, accelerated earning rates, or other incentives. Stay updated on these offers to maximize your mileage accrual.
Important Considerations
- SkyMiles Number at Booking: Always provide your SkyMiles number at the time of booking. Retroactive crediting can be a more cumbersome process.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the terms and conditions for each delta airlines hotel partner to understand the qualifying rates, booking methods, and any exclusions.
- Miles are Bonus Miles: Miles earned from hotel stays are typically considered bonus miles and do not count towards Million Miler status unless explicitly stated otherwise in a specific promotion.
- Medallion Qualification: Spending on hotel stays generally does not contribute to Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) unless specifically mentioned in a limited-time offer.
By understanding the nuances of delta airlines hotel partners, you can strategically accumulate SkyMiles on your accommodation expenses, bringing you closer to your next flight reward or SkyMiles redemption. Always check the Delta Air Lines website and partner hotel details for the most up-to-date information and earning opportunities.
